Chief Justice throws out Richard Jakpa’s petition alleging unfairness by trial judge

The Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has dismissed a petition filed by businessman Richard Jakpa, who alleged unfairness and abuse of his rights by trial judge, Afia Serwaa Botwe.

Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the controversial ambulance trial, claimed unfair treatment and sought the judge's transfer, accusing the prosecution of heckling him during cross-examination.

The Chief Justice responded that Jakpa failed to provide evidence to support his claims. Jakpa expressed his shock at the Chief Justice's decision, arguing that court recordings could verify his allegations.

"I received a response from the Chief Justice stating that I didn't provide evidence, so she cannot transfer the judge. She didn't say my claims were untrue. The evidence is in the court recordings, which the Chief Justice could have requested, but she refused to do that and said there was no evidence," Jakpa said on JoyNews.

The update comes after Jakpa revealed he had petitioned the Chief Justice over what he perceives as unfair treatment. He alleged denial of basic human rights and privileges throughout the proceedings.

"Right from the beginning of this trial till today, I have not been treated fairly by the judge. I wrote a petition to the Chief Justice detailing instances of bias, abuse of my human rights, denial of legal representation, and even the right to visit the washroom," Jakpa stated.

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